At the Library

Ever since my first Ridiculous Days' book sale as a member of Washington Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB), I’ve noticed patrons inquiring about a regular book sale; that was four years ago.

This week, the patrons at the Washington Public Library finally have an answer: a TAB-operated used-book store in the basement of the existing library. The bookstore has been a potential project for TAB for years, and since I am in my senior year of high school, I am blessed to be able to see the result of the planning we’ve done.

The idea of a used-book store was toyed with upon the opening of the new library building, which opened in October 2009. There was no doubt the new building had enough space for a used-book store, but the logistics were a big question mark.

Since then, TAB has hosted numerous events, but the idea of a used-book store was always in the back of my mind. A part of me always doubted it would happen.

Late into my junior year, the topic of a used-book store was once again on the agenda at our TAB meeting, but as we talked about the idea and how it would work, it all seemed possible.

Again, the idea became something to ponder while TAB became busy with other events but little did we know that LeAnn Kunz, the Teen Advisory Board adult leader, had plans to make the bookstore more than an inkling. Before any of us knew what was happening, we were arranging shelves in the former break room, organizing them into categories, and choosing a name.

All Teen Advisory Board members agreed that the name should have an eco-friendly theme, hence the name Re-Book. The opening day of Re-Book is almost here. As a 17-year patron of the library, Teen Advisory Board member, and employee of the Washington Public Library, I could not be more thrilled with the progress we’ve made and continue to make here at the library. The grand opening of Re-Book is on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9-5 p.m.